ECAR Fact Sheet for Montana
Waste Tires

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.

What You Need to Know

Scrap tires provide convenient habitats for rodents. They hold water and become excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry diseases. Improperly stored tires present a fire hazard. They trap oxygen that will constantly feed the flames which emit noxious, air polluting smoke. When tires are illegally burned, oils and soot can run off and contaminate both surface and ground water.

Unlike other states, Montana does not have a severe problem with waste tire piles. A few tire piles are scattered across the state and they generally contain fewer than 500 tires. Because tires accumulate quickly, they can pose real management problems for salvage yard operators and tire collection and recycling businesses.

This fact sheet will help you manage the tires stored at your facility and how to dispose of them properly.

Regulations

Montana groups solid wastes based on physical and chemical characteristics, which determine the degree of care required in handling and disposal. Vehicle tires are considered Group III wastes. Montana makes a distinction between used tires and waste tires. Waste tires are no longer fit for their original, intended purpose due to wear, damage or defect.

Permit Requirements. In Montana, separate permits are not required for the storage of waste tires at a licensed Motor Vehicle Wrecking Facility. Otherwise, waste tire facilities need to be licensed as a Solid Waste Management Facility.

Storage Requirements. There are no specific storage requirements for waste tires.

Disposal. Montana does not ban tires from landfills or require that tires be cut up before disposal. Most landfill operators are not required to keep specific records tracking tire disposal, however many will voluntarily share some tire disposal data on annual questionnaires sent out by DEQ.

Montana has three monofill landfill sites that accept only tires. In 1997, nearly 51% of the waste tires reported to DEQ were disposed of in these monofills. The remaining tires were either disposed of in Class II landfills along with other solid waste materials, sold to be retread, reused in another capacity (e.g. tire bales), or recycled into new products (a small percentage).

Montana has one resource recovery facility dealing exclusively with tires that also operates a monofill (tire only landfill). The business owners are interested in recycling more tires than they landfill and actively work to expand their products and clientele.

Individual landfills retain the authority to decide on the types and conditions of wastes accepted as long as compliance with state issued permits and approved operation plans are maintained. Some landfills have requirements for cutting tires into 2-4 pieces before acceptance.

Transporter Requirements. There are no specific transporter requirements for waste tires. However, all transporters must follow federal Department of Transportation requirements for the transport of hazardous/other materials.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to waste tire management.

Montana's Motor Vehicle Recycling and Disposal Requirements

Montana's Solid Waste Management Requirements

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things they check to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page).

Use the following list to audit your waste tire storage areas and management procedures.

1. Are you required to have a permit? There are no specific permit requirements for waste tires. However, Montana law requires the licensing of a motor vehicle wrecking facility if four or more junked vehicles are present at a single location.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don't explain how to do it. That's where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for waste tire storage areas and management procedures.

• Store as few waste tires as possible at your facility.
• Schedule regular pickup for waste tires.
• Keep tires stored indoors, if possible, or keep tire piles covered in order to prevent entrapment of water.
• If waste tires cannot be processed in a timely manner, leave waste tires on the rims to avoid problems with mosquitoes until the waste tires can be managed properly.
• Do not burn or bury waste tires.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Permitting and Compliance Division, Waste and Underground Tank Management Bureau at 406-444-5300.
2. To report a spill or leak, call the 24-hour, Hazardous Materials Emergency Response System at 406-841-3911, or the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the DEQ Enforcement Division at 406-444-0379.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Montana - Waste Tire Overview
2. Montana - Waste Tire Recyclers

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